Support NeoGAF

[JoshuaJSlone]

Question, GAF. I've heard of people using system selectors made for regular composite cables on their component connections. Does this mean I can use one of those cables in a pinch to connect a DVD/VCR machine to a TV, since I've got so many of them and no component cables yet?

I try Google, but I'm getting a lot of results like Component cables look like composite cables, but use 3 inputs for video, which doesn't really get to what I'm asking.

 

[bob_arctor]

Are you asking if you can use component cables as a replacement for composite? If so, then no.

 

[tedtropy]

Yeah, you could. At the end of the day it's all just a wire carrying information and composite cables terminate in the same ends that component cables do, but actual devoted component cables tends to be of a higher quality and thicker gauge. But in a pinch, yes, you could just ghetto it with several single composite cables.

 

[DaCocoBrova]

You can use any wire to carry a video signal just about. It's the actual data, how it's compressed/encoded and the method/path of transmission that makes the difference.

 

[JoshuaJSlone]

Are you asking if you can use component cables as a replacement for composite? If so, then no.

Just for the video part.

Yeah, you could. At the end of the day it's all just a wire carrying information and composite cables terminate in the same ends that component cables do, but actual devoted component cables tends to be of a higher quality and thicker gauge. But in a pinch, yes, you could just ghetto it with several single composite cables.

Cool, I hoped and guessed it was something like that.

 

[mrmyth]

Are you asking if you can use component cables as a replacement for composite? If so, then no.

WTF? Yes, you can. They're interchangeable, and the quality difference is negligible at short distances, if there's a difference at all.

 

[darscot]

I considered buying two Composite switcher instead of a Component.
Composite switcher $19.99 * 2 = $40.
Component switcher $199.99.

In the end I just bought a component extension for $29.99 it runs to the side of my big screen and I just plug in there as I need.

 

[gofreak]

WTF? Yes, you can. They're interchangeable, and the quality difference is negligible at short distances, if there's a difference at all.

There's a massive difference. On my projector at least.

 

[SKluck]

"Component" is basically just 3 composite cables. The difference in quality comes with the seperation.

 

[tedtropy]

You can grab a set of good decent-length component cables for like all of $12 at your local Wal-Mart, so it's not really worth it to cheap around it, but it's certainly an option.

 

[mrmyth]

There's a massive difference. On my projector at least.

They're all just RCA cables. I splice RCA ends onto RG6 cable-tv cable and use it for everything. I'm not talking about the difference between watching composite and component, I'm talking about seeing a difference in using a cable meant for one on the other.

 

[DaCocoBrova]

Yeah, I use a host of composite switchers for 480p and 1080i + audio playback and I don't see any image degredation.

 

[bob_arctor]

Yeah, I use a host of composite switchers for 480p and 1080i + audio playback and I don't see any image degredation.

So when I get my bro's 36" Grand Wega, which does hi-def (or at least ED, I don't remember), there's no reason for me to buy a true component switcher (like that JVC one everyone always mentions)? I can still use my old-ass Nyko composite switcher for all my component stuff, like I'm doing now w/ my current TV?

 

[darscot]

If you have an amp or some other way for the audio your set. It's all physics to me. Yes scientifically you may be able to prove that one cable or device will provide a better signal. What you can't prove is that I can see the difference.

 

[bob_arctor]

If you have an amp or some other way for the audio your set. It's all physics to me. Yes scientifically you may be able to prove that one cable or device will provide a better signal. What you can't prove is that I can see the difference.

I run all my audio directly into my Yamaha. My understanding was that due to bandwidth you couldn't use a regular composite switcher once you were actually connecting to a HD/ED television. My tv does component, but it isn't progressive.

 

[mrmyth]

I run all my audio directly into my Yamaha. My understanding was that due to bandwidth you couldn't use a regular composite switcher once you were actually connecting to a HD/ED television. My tv does component, but it isn't progressive.

Bandwidth becomes an issue once you start dealing with 1080p. Virtually no one is dealing with 1080p right now. Not many even deal with 1080i.

 

[DaCocoBrova]

So when I get my bro's 36" Grand Wega, which does hi-def (or at least ED, I don't remember), there's no reason for me to buy a true component switcher

True. I read recently that if there's no power supply needed (like mine) they just act as pass thrus. But with any passthru, you shove too much 'thru' it and you get issues.

Again, I run XBMC in 1080i and 720p and it looks clear, and I'm anal when it comes to ghosting and sh!t like that. You should be fine.

 

[Phatty D]

I did a little research on this myself, and all of the component switchers I could find were powered. Not really sure if this makes a difference though. It may also be because they switch digital audio as well (which was a major sell for me).

In any case, I picked up a 4-1 component video / digital audio switcher (with an extra couple composite inputs) at Fry's in Manhattan Beach for $86.99 plus tax. You can usually find them online for right around $100, though I think those are stright-up 4-1. I've seen them at Best Buy too, just don't try to ask the sales staff to help you find it. They're usually burried somewhere near the TVs.

I've been super happy with mine as I haven't had to crawl behind my TV since I bought it.

 

[JoshuaJSlone]

So at first some things were happening like my oranges turning to purple... but I quickly found one of the composite connections was touchy, tried another set, and it works fine. So much clearer!

 

[DaCocoBrova]

I almost forgot...

Gamestop sells their own component HD (that's what it says) switcher for 25 bucks. A quick inspection of the unit shows that it's not powered.

I'm going HDMI soon, so I'm not going w/ a high end component switcher, cuz frankly there's no need.

On second thought...

In any case, I picked up a 4-1 component video / digital audio switcher (with an extra couple composite inputs) at Fry's in Manhattan Beach for $86.99 plus tax. You can usually find them online for right around $100, though I think those are stright-up 4-1. I've seen them at Best Buy too, just don't try to ask the sales staff to help you find it. They're usually burried somewhere near the TVs.

Who makes it? Link?